Gottsche and Healy rewarded for performances

London footballer Mark Gottsche and Laois hurler Cahir Healy have been chosen as the GPA/GAA Opel Players of the Month for May.

Gottsche played the captain's role to a tee as the Exiles stunned Sligo at Ruislip to claim their first Connacht SFC win since 1977. The Galway native had a crucial scoring contribution from midfield with four points.

Healy, who earlier in the year decided to concentrate on hurling rather than football, has produced some impressive displays at half-back for the Laois hurlers who have claimed the scalps of Antrim and Carlow in the Leinster Championship.

The O'Moore men are currently preparing for a semi-final against holders Galway at home next Sunday. Both Healy and Gottsche receive a trophy and a prize of €1,000 for their displays during May.

Commenting on the announcement, GAA President Liam O'Neill said: "I wholeheartedly congratulate both Mark and Cahir on their awards - recognition from their peers of the outstanding performances both put in during their counties' respective Championship successes last month.

"Our games are littered with special talents, some of whom do not always receive the acknowledgement their skills deserve, and Mark's contribution to London's famous success over Sligo and Cahir's central role in his county's win over Antrim have helped both teams progress. I wish both every success in the weeks ahead."

Dessie Farrell, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, added: "It is wonderful that the contributions of Mark Gottsche of London and Cahir Healy are being recognised - both performances were part of very significant victories for both counties and I congratulate the players.

"I wish both of them the very best of luck in the games ahead and I would like to thank the players who acknowledged the performances by voting for the May winners. Thanks to Opel for their on-going support for this scheme and our players."